C-SPAN: The History of the Electoral College

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In this short video, Senate Historian Don Ritchie discusses the history of the electoral college. Today, many people question the usefulness and design of the electoral college system, particularly after the controversy during the 2000 elections. Ritchie outlines the constitutional framers' reasoning behind the system, and also traces changes in the campaign process from the 1780s until today.

Source: Don Ritchie, "The History of the Electoral College," C-SPAN Classroom (accessed November 27, 2008).